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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 8, 2001 · Torno Micro Mong · N426RT

Petersburg, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 8, 2001
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Petersburg, MI
Aircraft
Torno Micro Mong
Tail Number
N426RT
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI01LA155

The aircraft departed on a westerly heading and experienced a loss of engine power approximately 70-feet above ground level (agl). The witnesses reported that after the loss of engine power, the aircraft entered a left banking turn, subsequently striking the terrain. According to the pilot's written statement, "I am unable to recall the details of the accident that occurred on June 8, 2001." Subsequent to the accident, the pilot received medical attention including major surgery and care for a resulting coma. Post-accident inspection of the aircraft engine revealed that the number-one (front) cylinder spark plug had aluminum deposits on its electrode and insulator. Further inspection of the number-one cylinder assembly revealed a hole burned in the top of its piston.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft control not being maintained by the pilot during the forced landing. Factors to the accident were the loss of engine power, the overtemperature of the piston, the hole in the top of the number-one piston, and the encountered stall.

Full Narrative

On June 8, 2001, at 1620 eastern daylight time, a Torno Micro Mong, N426RT, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with the terrain, following a loss of engine power during initial climb from runway 27 (2,300 feet by 100 feet, dry/grass) at the Air Rahe Ultralight Park, Petersburg, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The local flight was departing at the time of the accident. According to witnesses, the aircraft departed on a westerly heading and experienced a loss of engine power approximately 70-feet above ground level (agl). The witnesses reported that after the loss of engine power, the aircraft entered a left banking turn, subsequently striking the terrain. According to the pilot's written statement, "I am unable to recall the details of the accident that occurred on June 8, 2001." Subsequent to the accident, the pilot received medical attention including major surgery and care for a resulting coma. Post-accident inspection of the aircraft engine revealed that the number-one (front) cylinder spark plug had aluminum deposits on its electrode and insulator. Further inspection of the number-one cylinder assembly revealed a hole burned in the top of its piston.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 EDT
Nearest AirportAIRRAHE (0nm)
Runway270
Runway Length2300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTorno Micro Mong
Tail NumberN426RT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine Details2Si · 460-L50 · Reciprocating · 50
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data